Which of the following substances can be added to water to form a solution?

Rationale

Table salt can be added to water to form a solution.

Table salt, or sodium chloride, readily dissolves in water, dissociating into its constituent ions and forming an aqueous solution. This property allows it to mix uniformly with water, creating a homogeneous mixture essential for various biological and chemical processes.

A (Pencil lead) YOUR ANSWER

Pencil lead, primarily made of graphite, does not dissolve in water. Instead, it remains as solid particles, leading to a heterogeneous mixture rather than a true solution. The structure of graphite prevents it from interacting significantly with water molecules to form any solution.

B (Candle wax) YOUR ANSWER

Candle wax is a hydrophobic substance that does not dissolve in water. When added to water, it will float on the surface or form separate layers, resulting in a heterogeneous mixture. Its chemical properties render it incompatible with water, preventing the formation of a solution.

C (Table salt) CORRECT

As previously mentioned, table salt dissolves in water, creating a solution. The ionic bonds between sodium and chloride ions break when mixed with water, allowing the ions to disperse throughout the liquid, which is a key characteristic of a solution.

D (Iron filings) YOUR ANSWER

Iron filings, being solid metal particles, do not dissolve in water. Instead, they will settle at the bottom or remain suspended, creating a mixture that does not achieve the uniformity required for a solution. Their metallic nature prevents any significant interaction with water molecules.

Conclusion

The ability to form a solution is a critical property of certain substances when mixed with water. Among the options provided, only table salt can dissolve in water to create a true solution, while other materials like pencil lead, candle wax, and iron filings do not possess this property. Understanding which substances can form solutions is essential in fields such as chemistry and environmental science, where solubility plays a crucial role.

Which of the following substances can be added to water to form a solution?

Table salt can be added to water to form a solution.

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